The Dairy Laboratory performs bacteriological and chemical analyses on dairy samples
submitted by MD Center for Milk & Dairy Product Safety from a variety of farm/plant sources
under the auspices of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Milk Program. Ranging
from raw milk to frozen dessert milk samples, the Dairy Lab examines for the presence of
indicator organisms, antibiotic residual testing, determination of the pasteurization process,
and microscopic examination of somatic cells. The laboratory analyzes dairy samples derived
from cow, goat, and sheep origins.
As an FDA State Primacy Dairy Laboratory, the analytical data produced is used in
enforcement to ensure compliance with the Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO). The Grade “A”
Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO) is a set of minimum standards and requirements that are
established by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for regulating the production,
processing and packaging of Grade A milk.
The Maryland Department of Health, Laboratories Administration, Division of Environmental
Sciences-Dairy Laboratory must perform FDA-approved methods to be certified for analysis
of milk products. Individual analysts are certified for milk product analysis by participation in
a yearly proficiency test scheme, and a triennial on-site evaluation.
For more information about the FDA Grade Milk Program, please visit these sites:
